Surprise: Astros make Correa the No. 1 pick

Secaucus, NJ (Sports Network) - The Houston Astros didn't show their hand leading up to Major League Baseball's First-year Player Draft and on Monday started the festivities off with a huge surprise, selecting infielder Carlos Correa from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy with the No. 1 pick

Correa, the highest player ever taken from Puerto Rico, becomes the third player chosen No. 1 overall by the Astros, joining third baseman Phil Nevin (1992) and left-hander Floyd Bannister (1976).

While both Nevin and Bannister enjoyed solid major league careers, neither did so in an Astros uniform. Nevin appeared in just 18 contests for the Astros, while Bannister won 11 games for them before winning 123 elsewhere.

In the days leading up to the draft it was believed that the Astros had been leaning towards Stanford righty Mark Appel or Georgia prep outfielder Byron Buxton.

Correa, though, became the choice, as perhaps signability may have become an issue with Appeal, who is represented by superagent Scott Boras.

Often compared to Alex Rodriguez, Correa is very light on his feet at shortstop, where he is above average across the board -- range, arm and actions. Given how strong his arm is, he may eventually move to third base.

At the plate he has excellent balance and patience along with tremendous bat speed and a natural loft. He should hit for both average and power and average at the next level.